Lingers bounce back at home against Seaford with a Bang!

The consecutive win streak was gone, and time to rebuild and begin mounting potentially another long string of wins. First of all, bouncing back from the defeat the job at hand, hosting Seaford who's results suggest they're a doggy side who stay in games and make themselves difficult to beat; very similar to Billingshurst last week. The words from management were thought towards the trust of the dressing room, and the quality of players we have strong enough to win any game. A mention to the returning Dave Heaton in the heart of midfield, a prolonged absence through injury saw a progressive recovery, and started for the first time in over 4 months; and was good to see him back.

To the game, Lingfield started dominating the tempo and intensity of play, a clear message of intent. We got an early goal from a Conor Wilford corner on the right, floated down the keeper's throats to attack. Coming off the bar to fall to Dan Summers to land the first jab, 1-0. With Lingfield's foot firmly on the accelerator, we went again, a clever looped pass from Dan Summers found Richard Wetton to hold the centre-half off and slide home for his customary goal. 2-0. Playing with confidence, moving the ball around in spells that saw Seaford chasing shadows more than anything. A 3rd came on the half-hour mark, sparkling work from Dave Heaton to dispossess in the middle and slide a dead weighted ball in behind for Nick Dembele to burst onto, round the keeper and bury. After an explosive 35mins of football, a lapse in concentration, as well as a controversial foul decision 35 yards from goal, gave Seaford the chance to equalise from 6 yards out, put away by the centre-forward; 3-1 HT and a form of inspiration for the visitors.

Seaford started the 2nd half with the wind in their sails, Lingfield more controlling of possession, but Seaford more competitive. Trying to find the 4th goal and kill off the game, Seaford hit first, an unusual lapse in concentration at the back saw Gravesy play to their centre attacking midfielder to lay in their centre-forward and well put away into the bottom right corner, 3-2 and game on. Just moments later it was 3-3, as again we go forward to get more, was undone as Connolly lost the ball on the left and a good run on the halfway line was found and latched onto and slotted away. The game in the balance, Seaford sat in more and more looking for the first points taken away from the Lair. Pressure upon pressure from Lingfield had Seaford against the ropes and something had to give... 2 minutes from time, Dan Summers played a one-two with Ben Connolly to draw a foul just over 20 yards from goal. To be promoted this year, some games boil down to big moments, and Dan Summers stepped up to put the free kick into the top left-hand corner, a knockout blow, 4-3 Lingfield. It was seen out that way and our 100% home record is retained.

Credit to Seaford who never stopped going throughout, a 7 goal thriller edged Lingfield's way for the 2nd time this season as we go into arguably the biggest game of the season for us so far. We entertain Little Common next Saturday to again build on today's performance, maintain 100% at home, and try and take 3 massive points off the league leaders; it's due to be a very good game. Our Best Wishes go out to the No.10 of Seaford as he had to be withdrawn from the game because of a broken ankle; hoping a speedy recovery. Also to all of Seaford who stuck around the clubhouse after for a few drinks and were great company and sportsmen.

A big thanks to Mike Moore from DEphoto.TV and his ever generosity of time and effort he puts into our media team. Also a big thanks to CCS in sponsoring the game this afternoon. Highlights can be found via our website. We hope to see you all down the Lair next week with your usual fantastic support.

See Lingfield TV Channel for all the latest Match Highlights and Player Interviews.

Up the Lingers!

MOM Sammy Clements

By Sammy Clements